Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: School and Bank Holidays Tomorrow, Nov 5!?

Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, celebrates the birth and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of the Sikh faith. His message of truth, compassion, and harmony continues to inspire millions around the world. In 2025, this auspicious occasion marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and will be observed on Wednesday, November 5. As the festival falls tomorrow, students, bank customers are wondering if there is any holiday for schools, colleges, banks, and also for government offices. 

The Essence of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Also known as Gurpurab or Guru Parv, this festival is a time for reflection and devotion. It commemorates the life and wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached equality, kindness, and service to humanity. The festival falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, a day that holds deep religious importance in both Sikh and Hindu traditions.

How the Festival is Celebrated

The celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti usually begin two days before the main event with the Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. On the main day, gurdwaras are beautifully illuminated and adorned with lights and flowers. Devotees gather early in the morning for prabhat pheris (religious processions) and kirtans (devotional songs) that fill the air with spirituality and devotion.

A central part of the celebration is the langar, a community meal served to people of all backgrounds and religions. This act of service and equality embodies Guru Nanak’s core principles of unity and compassion.

Public Holiday on Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025

Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed as a public holiday in many parts of India, especially in the northern states. On November 5, schools, colleges, government offices, and many businesses will remain closed to allow devotees to participate in the celebrations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also listed this day as a bank holiday, and major financial institutions, including the stock exchanges in Mumbai, will remain shut.

States and Union Territories such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Jammu & Kashmir have officially declared a public holiday for the occasion. In these regions, Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm through prayers, processions, and community service.

However, in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, the festival is not an official holiday. Educational institutions, government offices, and private organizations in these regions are expected to function as usual on Wednesday.

Significance of the Day

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings go beyond religious boundaries and emphasize living a life of truth, humility, and equality. His philosophy of “Ik Onkar” — the belief that God is one — continues to guide the Sikh community and humanity at large.

As India and the world celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, it serves as a reminder of the timeless message of peace and universal brotherhood that Guru Nanak Dev Ji spread throughout his life — a message that remains just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Also read: Kartika Purnima Nov 5 Holiday: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh School Holiday Declared?